Veneers
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin shells made of porcelain that are custom crafted in a dental laboratory. They are bonded to the fronts and biting edges of your teeth. Veneers are translucent and extremely natural-looking. They effectively close gaps between the teeth, and restore and protect worn, chipped or misshapen teeth. Veneers are also great for whitening permanently stained teeth, or teeth that have darkened naturally with age.
How we place veneers
It will take two or more appointments to restore your teeth with veneers. On the first appointment, we shape your teeth, then remove a thin layer of the enamel (1/3 to 1mm) from the tops, front and sides so your teeth won't look or feel bulky once the veneers are placed. Next, we take impressions of your prepared teeth. The impressions are used to create precise working models of your teeth at a dental lab. It's on these models that the veneers are crafted for a precise fit. On the second appointment, we polish and clean your prepared teeth. We then
apply a mild acid to roughen the surface of the teeth and increase the bond strength. We use a high-intensity light to harden the adhesive.
Once they're in place, veneers virtually become part of your teeth. You can use them like you would your own teeth, because the bond is very strong. Your final result is a more beautiful, natural-looking smile.
Caring for veneers
Any food that could chip, crack, or damage your natural teeth can do the same to your new cosmetic restorations.
1) Avoid sticky candies and any unusually hard foods or substances. Avoid or minimize your use of foods that stain, such as tea, coffee, red wine, and berries.
2) Smoking or chewing tobacco will quickly yellow your teeth.
3) Let us know if you grind your teeth at night or engage in sports so we can make you a custom mouthguard to protect your veneers.
Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile will take time, but soon you'll be chewing and smiling with confidence.
